Of all times to happen with 〜に限って

Grammar: Idiomatic & Emphatic Expressions

〜に限(かぎ)って is used to emphasize an exception, a special case, or something that happens only under certain circumstances. In English, it can often be translated as “only in the case of…”, or “especially when…”, or “of all the times”.

Usage

This grammar typically highlights a situation that stands out as unexpected or contrary to what one might hope for. It is often used with negative or undesirable outcomes, having a sense of complaint, irony, or frustration, but it can also emphasize unique or specific cases.

It generally attaches to nouns indicating time, situations, or conditions to emphasize the untimely nature of an event.

Grammar Example

Lunch duty today of all days with 〜に限って

好きな子がめがねを忘れた » Volume 1 » Page 47

Formation

1. Noun + に + 限って
   • 傘(かさ)を持(も)っていない日(ひ)に限って雨(あめ)が降(ふ)った
   • "Only on the day I didn't bring an umbrella, it rained."